Puppies typically start teething between 10 and 16 weeks old, and the increased chewing is a normal response to sore, erupting teeth — not a behaviour problem — that eases once their adult teeth are fully in.
If your Oodle puppy has suddenly turned into a tiny, determined chewing machine, you're not doing anything wrong — and you're not alone. Teething is one of the most predictable parts of puppyhood, and once you know what's actually happening (and why), it's a lot easier to get through.
Key Takeaways
- Teething usually runs from about 10 to 16 weeks old.
- Increased chewing is your puppy soothing sore gums, not misbehaving.
- The fix is giving a consistent "yes" item, not just removing the "no" ones.
- A chilled or frozen chew can help numb sore gums.
- Watch what's within reach — small swallowable objects are a real risk during this stage.
When does it happen?
Most puppies lose their baby teeth and start growing their adult teeth somewhere between 10 and 16 weeks old. It's the same basic process human babies go through — and just like a teething baby, a teething puppy is dealing with real, if temporary, discomfort. That discomfort is exactly why the chewing ramps up: it's not a behaviour problem, it's your Oodle trying to soothe their own mouth.
Why puppies chew everything (not just "bad" objects)
Puppies use their mouths the way toddlers use their hands — to explore literally everything new in their world. Combine that natural exploring instinct with sore, erupting teeth, and you get a puppy who chews on furniture, shoes, hands, and anything else within reach, not because they're being naughty, but because nobody's told them yet what they are allowed to chew.
What actually helps
The advice that comes up again and again from experienced doodle owners is simple: give them a "yes" item. For every "no" (the shoe, the table leg, your hand), there needs to be an obvious "yes" — something appropriate they can redirect onto instead.
- Try different textures and materials — puppies often have preferences, and it can take some trial and error to find what your particular Oodle actually wants to chew.
- Offer something cold — a chilled or frozen chew can numb sore gums the same way a cold washcloth helps a teething baby.
- Redirect, don't just remove — if you catch your puppy chewing something they shouldn't, swap it for the "yes" item rather than just taking the object away and leaving them with nothing.
- Never use your hands as a toy — it might feel harmless with tiny puppy teeth, but it teaches a habit that's much less cute once your Oodle is fully grown.
A quick safety note
Watch what's within reach during this stage — socks, small toys, sticks, mulch, and anything else that could be swallowed can cause a serious (and expensive) intestinal blockage if it's the wrong size for your puppy. It only takes a moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does puppy teething last?
Most puppies finish losing baby teeth and growing adult teeth by around 16 weeks old, though individual timing varies.
What can I give my puppy to chew during teething?
A consistent "yes" item with genuine give — natural rubber chews are a common choice — and offering it chilled can help numb sore gums.
Should I ever use my hands as a chew toy?
No — it might feel harmless with tiny puppy teeth, but it teaches a habit that's far less cute once your Oodle is fully grown.
Is it normal for a teething puppy to chew furniture?
It's common, not a behaviour problem — it's a sign they need a consistent "yes" item nearby, since puppies chew whatever's within reach when nothing better is offered.
Where the Everyday Bone fits in. Our Everyday Small and Big Bones are built as exactly that kind of "yes" item — a single-mould natural rubber chew with no fabric seam, no stuffing, and no loose squeaker to dig out, so there's less for a determined puppy to find and pull apart. No plastic, no microplastic, no nasty material. It won't make teething disappear — nothing does — but it gives your Oodle somewhere better to put all that chewing energy than your furniture. Shop the Everyday Small Bone or the Everyday Big Bone →
Related reading: 10 Puppy Training Mistakes Oodle Owners Can Avoid From Day One →
